About the job

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and motivated plant taxonomist to lead the Asia team part of the Kew Science Accelerated Taxonomy Priority.

We are looking for a team player who can help achieve the initiatives set out in the Kew Science Strategy including: (1) Documenting Biodiversity in priority taxonomic groups and geographic areas, (2) building and applying the Tree of Life to enhance our understanding of plant diversity and evolution, (3) Innovating Species Identification through novel tools and technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and AI; and (4) identifying and protecting Tropical Important Plant Areas in Asia. This is an exciting opportunity to work with and support colleagues at RBG Kew and our partners in tropical Asia.

Job description

The postholder will report to the Priority Leader for Accelerated Taxonomy. They will be accountable for the taxonomic outputs achieved by and the excellent leadership and management of their research team and budget. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the science community at Kew and will fully participate in the broader operations of the Science Directorate, Priority, and Team.

Person specification

The ideal candidate for this position should have a PhD degree in botany. They should possess a strong knowledge of plant taxonomy with a focus on tropical Asia. Excellent management and communication skills are paramount, including the ability to write and present scientific outputs, as well as engage with the public and potential funders. Moreover, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in raising research funds through successful grant applications, highlighting their ability to secure resources to support their scientific endeavours. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in teaching on Kew's MSc in Plant & Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation. Experience in teaching plant identification skills is desirable.

Applicants should have a deep knowledge of the plant diversity in tropical Asia and expertise in species-rich plant groups are particularly welcome. Knowledge of the SE Asian flora and its biogeography, and associated plant identification skills which have resulted in published monographs, flora accounts and new species to science are desirable, as are skills in state-of-the-art methods such as phylogenomics. Linked to our other Kew Science Priorities, an interest in conservation and collaborative research on traits, ideally of socio-economic interest, are an advantage. Speaking and writing in another language of relevance in tropical Asia are desirable (e.g. Indonesian/Malaysian). Experience in working with partners in tropical Asia based on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles is expected.

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.